Allies for Inclusion Exhibit Visits Mount Union

ALLIANCE, Ohio – The University of Mount Union hosted the Allies for Inclusion: The Ability Exhibit in the Hoover Price Campus Center October 8 – 10.

The traveling exhibit came to Mount Union from St. Louis University and is used to promote the inclusion of those with disabilities.

“Most people understand diversity from the perspective of race and ethnicity and don’t always think of other areas of diversity, including disability,” said the University’s Director of Student Accessibility Services Karen Saracusa.

The exhibit uses a multimedia approach to demonstrate ways of respecting, interacting and being aware of those with disabilities. Putting an emphasis on a person’s abilities and not the disability is an important aspect of the exhibit by educating, informing and reframing views, said Saracusa.

On the opening day, nearly 100 students, faculty and staff members viewed the exhibit and participated in the various activities. The University’s Office of Student Accessibility Services, the Diversity Initiative Steering Committee (DISC) and the student organization, STAND (See The Ability Not Disability), sponsored the event.

“Collaborative efforts such as this allow students, faculty and staff to work together toward a common goal,” said Saracusa.